U.S. News & World Report

Drury University is ranked 8th among Midwest Regional Universities in the publication U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2014. U.S. News defines regional universities as institutions that provide a full range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, but few, if any, doctoral programs. Drury jumped three spots from 2013, and is now the highest ranked university in Missouri in this category.

“Drury’s outstanding reputation was a big part of the reason I sought the presidency,” said Dr. David Manuel who became Drury’s 17th president on June 1, 2013. “Having a respected third party like U.S. News & World Report tell us that we are doing a good job is a source of pride for students, faculty, staff and alumni.”

In addition, Drury was ranked 15th in the Midwest in the “Great Schools at Great Prices” category, and Drury was listed in the category “A-plus schools for B students” in the Midwest. U.S. News says the “A-plus schools for B students” category is for universities “where spirit and hard work make all the difference to admission offices.”

Best in the Midwest University

The Princeton Review has named Drury University one of the best colleges in the Midwest in its website feature “2014 Best Colleges Region by Region.” Drury is one of the 155 institutions named to the Princeton Review’s “Best in the Midwest” section.

The 155 colleges named to the “Best in the Midwest” section come from 12 states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Collectively, the 643 colleges named “regional bests” constitute about 25 percent of the nation’s 2,500 four-year colleges.

The Princeton Review is an education services company known for its test-prep courses, tutoring, books and other student resources.

90 Drury Athletes Honored with Academic Awards

The NCAA Division II Athletic Directors Association announced on August 21 that 90 Drury University student-athletes have been honored with Academic Achievement Awards.

The Academic Achievement Awards program recognizes student-athletes’ academic accomplishments at the Division II level. To receive an Academic Achievement Award, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) and attend a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work while also being an active member of an intercollegiate team during his or her most recent academic year.

Drury’s Enactus Team Finishes Fourth at the Enactus National Exposition

Drury University’s Enactus team finished fourth at the Enactus USA National Exposition in Kansas City, Mo. on May 23.

“We are extremely proud of the work the Enactus students at Drury have done this year,” said Kaitlyn Vaughn, Drury Enactus director.

Drury won the SIFE National Exposition three times (2001, 2003, 2005) and went on to win the SIFE World Cup in 2001 and 2003.

Military Friendly School

Victory Media has named Drury University a Military Friendly School. The 2014 Military Friendly Schools® list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and their spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.

For example, Drury recognizes the skills and education that members of the military receive through various training programs. Students may submit their military transcripts to Drury’s College of Continuing Professional Studies where an individual can earn up to 31 hours of transfer credit based on military training and classes.

“Drury has exceeded all of my expectations in everything from helping me with my GI Bill to providing flexibility so that I can continue to satisfy my military obligations as a reservist,” said Bradley Ray, an Air Force veteran, reservist and fifth year accounting student. “Drills, annual tours, deployments; Drury is more than willing to work with veterans to ensure both their education and service needs are met.”

One of the Best Graduate Criminal Justice Programs in the Nation

The website Masters Degree Online has recognized Drury University’s Master of Science in criminal justice as one of the top 50 programs in the country.

The website said about Drury’s program: “Drury University provides a Master of Science in Criminal Justice that is ideal for those seeking a smaller school with personalized attention. Classes are taken in the evenings and online, and the program is designed for easy access to those already working in criminal justice. Research in criminology and terrorism is emphasized, giving the school a well-known reputation for expertise on these subjects.”

“It is gratifying to get external recognition for the quality of Drury’s graduate program in criminal justice,” said Dr. Jana Bufkin, director of the program. “Beyond opportunities in local and state law enforcement, corrections, and child/ adolescent services, a master’s degree in criminal justice opens doors for employment in an array of federal agencies as well as private companies. Moreover, the demand for professionals with an educational background in criminal justice will continue to grow.”

Commencement 2013

Drury University awarded degrees to 611 students at spring commencement ceremonies at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on May 18.

Of the students at the ceremony, 49 earned graduate degrees, 318 were given undergraduate degrees from the College of Continuing Professional Studies (CCPS) and 244 traditional Day School students received degrees.

Drury honored long-time trustee John Beuerlein ’75 with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the Day School commencement ceremony. The general partner with investment firm Edward Jones is an emeritus trustee. Beuerlein served on the Drury Board of Trustees for nearly 20 years and is a former board chairman.

Beuerlein surprised the Day School graduates with envelopes filled with cash under each graduate’s seat. The total amount of money represented Beuerlein’s annual donation to Drury, and the envelopes contained anywhere from $10 to $1,000. Beuerlein told the graduates that they could not open the envelopes and, after the ceremony, each graduate would go through a booth where they could either secretly keep the money or place it in a box as a donation to Drury. Beuerlein called this a final test for the graduates, a test of character.

“I believe Drury grads are people of character, I believe that Drury grads do the right thing and I believe Drury grads do the right thing even when nobody’s watching,” Beuerlein told the graduates. “Knowing that there just might be $1,000 in that envelope is a tough choice, but do you want the lesson you take from today to be that you traded away your character for a measly 10 bucks? You are a Drury grad; make your life a life of significance.”

Missouri State Senator Bob Dixon was the commencement speaker for the CCPS and graduate students. Dixon earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Drury.

“Life is all about choices. Today’s choice is whether your life will be about you or about others. I’m encouraging you to choose wisely,” Dixon said. “The events of this day are the beginning of the rest of your journey. Go forth and serve, and go forth and shape the world.”

This was the final commencement for Drury President Todd Parnell. Parnell retired on May 31. It was also the final commencement for Drury Registrar Gale Boutwell. Boutwell retired from Drury on May 31 and had conducted 87 graduation ceremonies. Drury honored Boutwell with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the December 2012 commencement.

Photo Gallery: Spring 2013 Commencement

Gmedia

Steve Huber Named New Lady Panthers Basketball Coach

Steve Huber, a veteran assistant coach at the NCAA Division I level, was named head coach of the Drury Lady Panthers basketball program in April. Huber has spent the past seven seasons as the top assistant and recruiting coordinator at Creighton University of the Missouri Valley Conference (and soon, the Big East Conference). He’s also been an assistant at the D-I level at Louisville and San Diego State and at D-II Central Missouri.

Huber spent five seasons as the head coach at Benedictine College (1994-99), guiding the Ravens to three NAIA national tournament appearances.

“I’m just elated for this opportunity,” Huber said. “Initially, my interest in this job was based largely on the tradition that Nyla (Milleson) started and what they’ve accomplished over the years in women’s basketball. But after going home from the interview, it was not only that, but the people. Everybody I met down there was just great.”

Huber is the third head coach in the 14-year history of the Lady Panthers program, following Nyla Milleson (2000-07) and Steve Harold (2007-13). Drury has a 314-88 record (a .781 winning percentage) in its 13 seasons, and has never had a losing season.

The Lady Panthers were 14-13 this past season, when their remarkable string of 10 consecutive NCAA-II tournament appearances was snapped.

Soccer Teams Head Overseas

Every four years, NCAA soccer teams can take a preseason overseas trip to play matches and come together as a team, and the Panthers and Lady Panthers took advantage of the opportunity prior to the start of the 2013 fall semester.

The Panthers visited Spain for ten days, where Drury won two and lost one of their exhibition matches against top international competition.

“We had a great trip to Madrid, and I am confident that the experience really helped bring the guys together,” said Ryan Swan, Drury men’s soccer coach. “Additionally, we got to train with an excellent coach from the Spanish Football Federation. He introduced the guys to the Spanish style of soccer and helped to sharpen the team up.”

The Panthers were ranked 24th nationally in the preseason coaches’ poll of NCAA Division II teams.

The Drury women’s soccer program spent ten days in England where the Lady Panthers played four matches finishing with a 3-1 record.

“Overall, to get to travel and be a part of England’s soccer environment was excellent. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Drury Women’s Soccer Coach Alf Bilbao.

The Lady Panthers saw three professional matches and toured two stadiums: legendary Wembley Stadium and Old Trafford where famed club Manchester United plays its home matches. They also took in a game at The Emirates where Premier League club Arsenal plays its home matches.

The Drury students also saw non-soccer tourist stops, such as Big Ben and the Beatles museum in Liverpool.

Aaron Jones is named Dean of Drury’s College of Continuing Professional Studies

Aaron Jones is the new Dean of Drury’s College of Continuing Professional Studies (CCPS). Jones had been the interim dean since the spring of 2012.

“Aaron’s recent interim leadership in this position has been very valuable to Drury University and to the variety of regions we serve,” said Drury President David Manuel. “Aaron’s continued leadership will be instrumental in the future growth of CCPS.”

Jones, a 1995 Drury graduate, received his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1998. He also received a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in dispute resolution in 2009 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was elected to the Drury Board of Trustees in 2009 but took a leave from the board when he was appointed to serve as interim dean.

New CCPS Degree Offerings

The College of Continuing Professional Studies (CCPS) unveiled new degrees in emergency management and public administration for fall 2013.

The U.S. Department of Labor classifies emergency management as a “bright outlook occupation.” Emergency management experts teach the classes, and the curriculum was designed by working professionals with years of experience in the field. Students can choose from either a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree.

The public administration program also offers bachelor’s and associate degree options. Coursework in the public administration degree focuses on everything from grant writing to constitutional law.

New CCPS Sites and Offices Opened

Drury CCPS began offering seated classes in Owensville and Houston. These are extensions of the Rolla and Cabool campuses, respectively.

Drury’s online education opened offices in Bentonville, Ark. and West Plains, Mo. Classes are not taught at the offices, but they are used as physical locations for advising and admission assistance.

Remembering Life Trustee John Q. Hammons

In 1988, the late John Q. Hammons (right) and former Drury president, Dr. John Moore, look over the plans for the Hammons School of Architecture.

Developer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and longtime supporter of Drury University, John Q. Hammons passed away on Sunday, May 26 at the age of 94.

Hammons was the benefactor of the John Q. Hammons School of Architecture (HSA), constructed in 1990 on the Drury campus.

Dr. Maurizio Sabini, director of the Hammons School of Architecture said the HSA community remains committed to growing his legacy, “We will always be grateful to Mr. Hammons for his generosity and vision.”

Hammons was elected as a Drury trustee in 1977 and became a life trustee in 2005.

In 1987, Drury recognized Hammons’ outstanding achievements in architecture and development by awarding him an honorary doctorate. On November 13, 2003, HSA honored Hammons by holding a reception and exhibition commemorating his career and service to the university.